The human heart, a powerful, fist-sized organ, is the hardest working muscle in the body. It works 24/7, pumping blood through vessels (its partner in the makeup of the circulatory system), so oxygen and nutrient-rich blood can travel around the body. The heart works with other systems, like the nervous and endocrine systems, to control heart rate, blood pressure, and other body functions.
Maintaining good heart health is essential for overall well-being.
“In my day-to-day practice I see firsthand the impact heart disease has on individuals, families, and entire communities. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, despite advancements in medical therapies and preventative care,” said Dr. Christopher Kovach, an interventional cardiologist with CommonSpirit Penrose and St. Francis hospitals. “Heart health is not just about avoiding a future heart attack — it’s about preserving quality of life, independence, and the ability to stay active and engaged in the things that matter most.”
Dr. Kovach said many forms of heart disease, particularly coronary artery disease, develop gradually and often without obvious symptoms. Cholesterol plaque can build up in the arteries over years or decades, quietly limiting blood flow to the heart. He cautioned that for some patients, the first sign of a problem is a major cardiac event, like a heart attack. This is why managing risk factors is so important.
Self-care = Heart Care
The way we eat, exercise, sleep, manage stress and medical conditions — even our interaction with others — can have a profound influence over our heart health. A more heart-healthy lifestyle is a choice that can be made by:
- Eating better
- Getting your heart beating faster
- Having good quality — and quantity of — sleep
- Quitting smoking or never picking up the habit
- Learning effective coping strategies to improve emotional health
- Having a support system in place
“Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, managing diabetes, avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and understanding your family history all play a critical role in protecting your heart,” said Dr. Kovach. “Small, consistent changes can have a powerful impact over time.”
Symptoms associated with a heart problem
According to Dr. Kovach, chest pain and related symptoms deserve special attention.
“Angina, or cardiac chest pain, doesn’t always look or feel the same in everyone. While some people experience classic chest pressure or tightness, others may notice heaviness, shortness of breath, nausea, or pain in the arm, jaw, neck, or back. Symptoms may occur with exertion, emotional stress, or even at rest,” he said.
“Women, older adults, and people with diabetes are especially likely to have atypical or subtle symptoms. Any new, worsening, or unexplained chest discomfort should be taken seriously and evaluated promptly.”
The doctors are in!
“If you or a loved one experiences chest pain that comes suddenly and does not go away, then you should seek care at the nearest emergency department because these symptoms could be due to a life-threatening heart attack,” Dr. Kovach said. “When reduced blood flow to the heart is identified early, we have effective tools to restore circulation, relieve symptoms, and prevent permanent heart damage. The sooner patients seek care, the more heart muscle we can save. Delays in care can lead to lifelong heart failure, chronic disabling symptoms, or even death.”
Protect your heart to help reduce the risk of heart disease and risk factors.
CommonSpirit Health is a leading provider of comprehensive heart care, with an expert team of doctors, nurses, technicians ready, willing, and able to be of assistance, from early prevention to advanced care and rehabilitation. Care at CommonSpirit is inspired by faith, driven by innovation, and powered by humanity. Learn more here.
